Long-COVID

Wednesdays 12-1 PM

12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available

Illinois continues to experience a significant burden of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long-COVID), with a substantial proportion of adults reporting persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, dyspnea, dysautonomia, and mental health concerns months after acute infection. As evidence evolves, primary care providers are increasingly responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing these complex, multisystem presentations. However, many clinicians’ report uncertainty regarding diagnostic criteria, appropriate evaluation, evidence-based treatment options, and referral pathways. The rapidly changing research landscape, variability in symptom presentation, and lack of standardized management protocols contribute to inconsistent care. In addition, patients often experience frustration, stigma, or difficulty navigating fragmented systems of care, requiring providers to apply strong communication skills and patient-centered approaches. The goal of this ECHO series is to uptrain primary care providers in Illinois to confidently interpret emerging evidence, implement practical management strategies, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and effectively counsel patients with Long-COVID to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. Content will include a broad spectrum related to post-COVID conditions, including symptomatology, management protocols, patient referrals, behavioral approaches, and operational strategies.

Topics include-

• Overview of long-COVID epidemiology, pathophysiology evidence-based treatments
• Effects of variety of symptom presentations (respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, etc.) on long-COVID
• Lessons from Patient Experiences with long-COVID
• Impact of Mental Health of long-COVID and state approaches for Care
• Integrative Health Approaches to long-COVID management, including Acupuncture, Supplements, Physical Therapy, etc.
• Long-COVID as a disability under the ADA
• Future endeavors, including Federal initiatives to improve care in long-COVID, any large research projects, etc.